PHUKET – New Zealand Expat Garry Halpin, the former Tourist Police volunteer arrested on crystal meth charges, has been sentenced to nine years and eight months in jail for dealing crystal methamphetamine (ya ice) and overstaying his visa.

Long-term expat Halpin pleaded guilty to the crime during a court hearing, and because of this, his sentence was reduced to four years and 10 months in prison, a Phuket Provincial Court spokesperson told The Phuket News.

He was fined B500,000, which was later reduced to B250,000 because of his confession.

Halpin was arrested on December 14, 2013. Phuket Police said they first caught a man named Loesak, also known as Nan Thaitae, 25, in possession of ya ice, around 9.30pm on December 14. He told police that Halpin had bought ya ice from him, with the intention of selling it to tourists and teenagers in Chalong, Karon, Rawai and other areas.

Police asked Loesak to call Halpin to set up a deal, then swooped on the New Zealander at the Chalong Villa Resort and Spa.

In the room where Mr Halpin was staying, police found 18.45 grams of ya ice, a digital scale, a Samsung Galaxy phone and other drug-related equipment, including a makeshift pipe for smoking ice.

Halpin was arrested and charged with possession of a category one drug with intent to sell. Initially he admitted possession of the drugs but denied he was selling. Read Full Story Here